leaf-let

finnish designer maria jauhiainen's graceful lehti (leaf in finnish) tray looks so delicate...like it might float to the ground if a strong gust of wind blew through the window. but we know what they say about looks. this etched brass tray is quite durable and flexible too - it bends! the organic inspiration for the almost weightless trays? the skeletal remains of a leaf she found while putting the trash out. i'm going to have to put the trash out more often - maybe my absentee muse will make an appearance...

carpet burns

“My ambition is to have a happy team of carpet-burners working together to divert carpet waste from landfill and change the way the carpet industry operates.” Kelly Atkins

yesterday's post started me on a roll with sustainable design - here's one more:

i've done it. you've probably done it too. ironed on the floor when you couldn't find an ironing board. when kelly atkins was in college, she left the iron on the floor and burned the carpet. she didn't cuss (like i would have done) or cry (maybe like you?). instead, she became fascinated by the hard, plastic feel of the burned carpet and she spun that happy accident into three years of research, a line of products and ultimately a desire to change the world. she holds the european patent on a material that keeps faulty and end of the line carpet stock out of landfills. part of a growing trend in green building and sustainable design. check out the pocket books, magazine holders, planters, trays, coasters and other items made with the material here and here.